The aviation industry, like any other, has a wide range of unique expectations, demands, and requirements to function on a day-to-day basis. One of those unique processes is financing the planes used for commercial shipping, private transportation, and mass transit. It’s a highly dynamic market with an array of strict regulations around aircraft leasing, financing deals, and an ever-advancing trend of technological innovations and trends. Finding success in this market requires strong decision-making, consistent engagement, and a growth mindset built on a dedication to lifelong learning.
Deepak Sharma, CEO of Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd., embodies those necessary traits to find consistent success and growth. With over two decades of experience in the aviation industry, Sharma has consistently driven revenue growth and EBITDA. By leveraging his full decade of executive-level leadership, built upon a foundation of deep expertise across technical, commercial, operational, contractual, and asset management disciplines, Deepak Sharma demonstrates the value of consistent learning to professional success.
A High-Flying Aviation Career
Deepak Sharma’s professional experience goes back decades and covers a variety of leadership positions, but it all starts with a robust education. Sharma got his Certificate in Finance and Finance Analysis from Cambridge Management and Leadership School; a degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering from the City of Bristol College; and his CAA license from the Brunel College of Technology, among others. Combined with his recognized Fellowship with the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS), and his EASA license certifications, it’s clear that a strong educational foundation has been a boon for Sharma’s career.
Deepak Sharma’s aviation career is marked by a string of leadership roles across a number of specific sectors of the industry. From strategy to sales and marketing to engineering, to program management, Sharma’s leadership has led organizations through the complex technical and business challenges aviation is defined by. With leadership roles at companies including, but not limited to, Engineering Director at UK International Airlines, Technical Director at AJW Group, and Chief Commercial Officer at Aircraft Finance Germany, Deepak Sharma has consistently distinguished himself as a thought leader in the aviation space.
Most recently, Deepak Sharma has risen to become the visionary leader, founder, and CEO of Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd. (AFL), a London-based aircraft financing and leasing firm. Since its founding in 2019, AFL has positioned itself as a trusted partner to leading aircraft and engine lessors. The company creates tailored financing solutions that are well-suited to the complexities of international aerospace, providing consistent results to partners. Sharma’s strategic decision-making and learning-centered mindset prove effective in the company’s leadership.
Leadership and Navigating Tough Decisions
Given the nature of the market, Deepak Sharma shows AFL leadership requires keen, strategic decision-making, and his process reflects that. Every new aircraft financing or leasing project begins with a rigorous due diligence process where key financial metrics, airline creditworthiness, and existing market conditions are all analyzed. Macroeconomic factors, airline business models, and demand projections for specific aircraft types are also considered—the best way to make an effective decision is to be well-informed, after all.
This is all part of the fundamental risk assessment step of the process, where the balance between optimized capital efficiency and downside risk mitigation is considered. Once done, the next step is to collaborate with legal teams, investment analysts, and tax specialists to ensure that agreements are structured to align with regulatory requirements and financial objectives.
“Ultimately,” Sharma says, “my approach is to strike the right balance between competitiveness and sustainability, ensuring long-term value for all stakeholders.
This rigorous, data-driven, strategic process allows Deepak Sharma and Aircraft Finance Lease Ltd. to navigate the shifting aviation market and deliver consistent results to partners, even when tough decisions have to be made. For example, AFL once had to restructure a lease agreement for an airline that was struggling financially due to unforeseen market disruptions. The goal of the restructuring was to find a solution that ensured asset protection, while also keeping the airline operational.
By rejecting a rigid approach and embracing flexibility, Sharma was able to collaborate with financial and legal advisors to craft a revised lease structure that provided short-term relief while safeguarding long-term asset value. This meant renegotiating payment schedules, implementing financial covenants, and securing additional guarantees to mitigate their exposure to risks, but the results were worth it. The airline was able to continue operating, and the lease maintained financial integrity.
“Markets are cyclical, and success in aircraft finance requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to anticipate challenges and respond swiftly,” Deepak Sharma explains. “That period also strengthened my negotiation skills, as restructuring lease agreements and working with struggling airlines required a strategic yet pragmatic approach.”
Perpetual Growth and Adaptability
Unique challenges, relentless innovation, and a need for consistent results define the aviation industry. In order to keep up, professionals in the space need to be constantly keeping an eye on new innovations in technology, processes, and legal requirements. For leaders to succeed, they need to be constantly growing and adapting to market conditions.
“Staying adaptable is key, as market conditions can change rapidly,” Sharma explains. “By fostering a proactive mindset, maintaining clear communication with industry partners, and ensuring meticulous attention to financial modeling and risk assessment, I can efficiently navigate the complexities of the industry.”
Deepak Sharma spends most of his day-to-day working life reviewing lease agreements, structuring financing deals, and ensuring that transactions are compliant with regulatory compliance, but he makes sure to prioritize ongoing education and engagement. The dynamic nature of the aircraft leasing sector means he has to monitor market trends, anticipate potential risks, and engage with airlines, financiers, and legal teams in order to keep up, but merely “keeping up” isn’t enough to succeed. Anticipating, and contributing to, advancements in the field is the path to success, and Sharma knows it.
“Staying ahead in this field requires continuous learning and engagement with key industry insights,” Sharma explains. “I regularly review reports from organizations such as IATA, Aviation Week, and FlightGlobal, which provide valuable analysis of emerging trends. Additionally, I actively participate in industry conferences, such as ISTAT and ALTA, which offer opportunities to exchange ideas with peers and gain first-hand insights from experts.”
Beyond industry publications and events, regular networking is also essential. Given the volatility of the aviation space, partners that provide consistency and have a reputation for reliability are especially valuable. By maintaining strong relationships with lessors, financiers, and legal professionals, Sharma can get practical perspectives on shifting market dynamics and adapt his company’s service offerings accordingly.
